Bruce Clyde Walker

I like my grandfather. Hes really funny. Thats how one of Bruce Walkers six grandchildren lovingly described him years ago. Throughout his 89 years, Bruce made many friends smile and laugh, but he also challenged them to think and to dream. Bruce Clyde Walker died on April 26, 2014 at the Crista Nursing Center in Seattle, Washington. He was born to Clyde Cecil and Ruth Stiles Walker on May 30, 1924 in Hansen, Idaho. He was active in academics and athletics at Hansen High School, where he graduated in 1942. Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was 18, and served overseas in the 69 Infantry Division from 1944 to 1946. He was discharged as a corporal, and afterwards completed his B.A. at the University of Idaho. He was married to Joanne M. Walker in August of 1949. They moved to New York City, where Bruce completed his Masters degree at Columbia University in 1951. He was hired by Seattle First National Bank that same year and they settled in Seattle. Bruce worked for SFNB for 35 years, retiring as a corporate vice-president in 1986. Bruce served as president of the American Institute of Banking (AIB), beginning in 1963. He was later elected as Washington state director of the BAI (Bank Administration Institute) from 1974 to 1976. He also served as Treasurer for Keep Washington Green from 1986 to 1993. Bruce and his wife Joanne were very active in the University Presbyterian Church (UPC). He was a member there for 62 years, and developed many lifelong friendships. During that time, he was both a deacon and an elder, and on the finance committee of the Seattle Presbytery. He served as the parents committee chairman for UPC Boy Scout Troop 167. He and his wife also taught 5 grade and Junior High Sunday School classes for a number of years. He is remembered by many for his incredible devotion, service and love for Joanne, vividly demonstrated in the last four years of her life. Bruce loved Gods creation and particularly enjoyed bird-watching and golf. He played golf with several special friends almost every week until he was 87 years old. He was an avid reader and life-long learner. He took several graduate-level seminary courses and was still watching college-level video courses in his last year. He had what seemed to be an encyclopedic memory of poetry, Bible verses and historical speeches, like the Gettysburg Address. Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne, as well as three sisters, Dorothy, Virginia, and Sally, and two brothers, Wayne and Bill. He is survived by three sons, Doug of Wilmore, KY; Joel of Kaaawa, HI; and Marty of Sacramento, CA; as well as by six grandchildren, Bruce M. Walker of Martha Lake, WA; Noa Walker of Seoul, South Korea; Naomi Walker, Kaaawa, HI; Vailima Walker, Kaaawa, HI; John B. Walker, Tanzania; Kevin Walker, Parkersburg, WV; and four great grandchildren, Lily Rose and Jackson Walker of Parkersburg, WV and Noa Walker, Jr. and Jade Walker of Seoul, South Korea. A memorial service for Bruce will be held at University Presbyterian Church, 4540-15 Ave. NE, at 1 p.m. on May 30. As a young child, raised on a depression-era Idaho farm, he was deeply appreciative of the hands and feet ministry of the Salvation Army. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Salvation Army or to University Presbyterian Church. Announcement: As a young child, raised on a depression-era Idaho farm, he was deeply appreciative of the hands and feet ministry of the Salvation Army. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Salvation Army or to University Presbyterian Church.